Learn how to create a growth chart ruler to keep track of your child’s growth throughout the years. The perfect keepsake project that the kids can take with them when they grow up! Keep reading for the easy tutorial.
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Before I show you how to make a growth chart ruler, I thought I’d give you an update on how things are going with our new home. In case you missed it, we bought a house a few months ago and 11 days after closing a large oak tree fell on the family room, causing quite a bit of damage. (You can read more about that here.)
A contractor finally came out to the house and told us he’s booked up for 3-4 months, just the same as everyone else. He did mention that he may be able to get to the roof and exterior work a little sooner. Hopefully, he can and work can start sooner rather than later.
It’s so frustrating that everyone is so booked up for months and months. The main reason is that their workers are getting paid more to sit at home and do nothing than get out and work. Which to me is very selfish because there are so many people that need work done that can’t get it done. But, that’s a whole different story…
So that’s what’s going on with the repairs to our new home – nothing. Ugh!
Now let’s move on to the growth chart ruler DIY.
We started marking my daughter’s height on our bedroom wall not too long after she started walking. It was so fun to compare her height over the years and see how much she had grown. Now that we are renovating our home to sell it, I wanted to keep those memories with me.
Our bedroom walls are covered in paneling. The plan, in the beginning, was to remove the paneling and paint the walls. That way I would be able to cut out the growth chart and take it with me. However, the plans have changed. Since paneling seems to be making a comeback in the HGTV world, we decided to just paint the paneling. It’s less work and saves us time and money. Win, win!
So that means I will not be able to take the growth chart off the wall. Instead, I decided to create a growth chart ruler and copy the marks from the wall over to the ruler. This way I can still take the memories with me! And when my daughter moves out she can have it to show her kids one day.
First, cut your board to the length you want, if needed. I was lucky enough to find a board in my husband’s scrap woodpile that was exactly the length I needed. It’s just a tiny bit over 6′ long, which is perfect for my project.
Next, sand away any splinters that may be sticking out and any imperfections with sandpaper; wipe the board clean with a damp rag or tack cloth.
After your board is prepped and ready to go, give it a coat of paint. I used white and I only did one coat because I wanted it to look a little worn. Let the paint dry completely before moving on to the next step.
After the paint is completely dry, it’s time to start making the marks on your growth chart ruler.
Starting at the bottom of the board, measure up with the measuring tape and mark a line at every inch. After marking at every inch, go back and make straight lines all the way to the end of the board.
To make it look like a ruler, I made every third line longer than the others. Because I used a smaller-width board, my small lines are 1/2″ long and my longer lines are 1 and 1/2″ long.
Next, use a number stencil to place the numbers 1-6 all the way up the growth chart ruler. Place them at every “foot” line, or 12-inches apart.
If you’d rather not use stencils, you can use vinyl letters cut from your Cricut or letter stickers from Dollar Tree. However, if you use stickers, you may want to use Mod Podge so they will not come off.
The stencils I used were actually my daughter’s and they are 2″ tall.
After drawing all of your lines and numbers, go back over them with a black permanent marker or a black paint pen to make them stand out.
If your height marks are on the wall like ours are, just copy them over to the growth chart ruler.
That’s it! Your growth chart ruler is complete! Now you can hang it on your wall or just lean it against the wall.
I think this would also be really pretty stained with white letters. Or personalized with your child’s name.
How would you create your growth chart ruler?
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View Comments
I LOVE these!!!! I’ve always wanted to make one, but never have.....maybe I can add it to my summer projects ?
It was so much easier to make than I was thinking. You should definitely make one! :)
...well I have had my Cricut machine out...that could definitely be helpful for my number stencils?
Michelle you inspire me to do different crafts. I love this growth chart ruler. ??
Thank you! I'm glad you've been inspired to try new crafts. Enjoy! :)
Make one for myself to see how much I shrink as I get older ?
Haha!! That's a good idea!
I am so sorry about the long wait with the contractor. Sadly we have had the same issue here where people would rather get unemployment and not work. I agree with your thoughts on the matter.
I really love this growth chart! What a neat idea. Thank you for sharing!
It's really upsetting to see people taking advantage of stuff like that. I just can't do that to others. I'm glad you understand what I'm talking about.
Thank you so much!!
Oh my goodness, Michelle!! I so agree with you on this unemployment issue!! So frustrating and it’s affecting so many industries!! I’m sorry friend that it’s delaying you guys from moving forward with your dream home!! As for your latest diy! I love it!! I’ve been wanting to make one for my grandson for so long and just haven’t! You inspired me now and I’m going to follow your awesome tutorial!! Thank you!!
I'm so glad you understand what I'm talking about. It is so frustrating and it really needs to stop! I just can't believe people are taking advantage of it.
Thank you so much! I'm so glad I inspired you to make one for your grandson! I hope you'll share it! :)
What a great idea!
(I'm so sorry to hear about your new house. :( )
Thank you! And thank you! It's been quite a frustrating process. :(
This is such a great idea, Michelle. I am so sorry about your wait to have your mew home repaired. There are help wanted signs all over our city. Getting paid to stay home and not work needs to stop immediately!
Thank you!
I completely agree with you. It's so sad to see stores shut down simply because people don't want to work.
So sorry about your new home damage. Hope it all works out for you.
You have made the diy easy to follow. Though, I’m not sure I can draw perfect lines like you did.
Thank you! I'm hoping they can get things fixed sooner than expected.
Thanks! Sometimes I use the edge of a ruler or cardboard to get straight lines. Especially if they're longer lines. :)
Great DIY!
I’m so sorry to hear about your situation with the construction people. Many states are starting to get rid of the Covid Relief unemployment because of what you are stating.... They are making more staying at home. Grrrrr!
Sending prayers for you my friend!
Thank you so much!
I hope that comes to our state very soon. It's so frustrating that people are taking advantage of this. They don't realize how lucky they are to have a job because once the relief is over, they'll run out of money.
Thank you for your prayers!
I really think we need a working culture overhaul (in the US) for the reasons you've mentioned. If carpenters were doing what they love for the LOVE of carpenting, then you probably would have a fixed roof :-/
I completely agree with you. It also makes me wonder - if they are just working for a paycheck, are they really going to do a good job on my house? Scary!
Dang Michelle, first and foremost, I am deeply sorry to hear that the repair on your new home has come to a halt. Bless your heart, that is incredibly frustrating! I am praying the timeline speeds up and it turns out not to be several months for you guys. ?
As for this DIY -- so cute!! I've always thought it was special to keep track of a child's growth. We get so caught up in the day to day that it's surprising to look back and see how much they've grown - in every sense of the word. Pretty amazing.
Thank you for sharing this one. I guarantee lots of folks are going to make one and cherish the memories for a lifetime, just like you. I'm glad you are able to preserve those memories even when the original plan didn't pan out. :) Perfect!
Sending lots of love and hugs to you. Keep your head up! ♥
Thank you for your prayers. It is super frustrating, but I have hope it'll get done sooner.
Thank you so much! My daughter likes to compare her height now to when she was little. She can't believe she was that short! haha! I'm so glad we have those memories kept for her.
Hugs and love! And thank you!!